IT Contractors may not be aware that the UK is not the only country with a thriving contractor community.
Freelancers and contractors are now playing a key role in driving innovation and growth across many sluggish European economies, including Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
John Brazier, the managing director of the PCG, recently highlighted the increase in contracting activity throughout Europe and explained that the Group was actively engaging with contractor organisations on the mainland. These include established organisations such as the European Small Business Alliance and the European Forum for Independent Professionals.
Recent data from Eurostat estimates that 32.6 million workers in Europe are self-employed. That equates to 15% of the workforce. Furthermore, 23 million of these are either contractors or freelancers working as sole traders.
Professor Andrew Burke, from the Cranfield School of Management, recently presented research findings to the Freelance Sector All Party Parliamentary Group in which he identified contractors and freelancers as vital elements of entrepreneurship, enterprise and growth.
Contractors are now becoming micro-multinationals, according to the think tank Lisbon Council. They can access international markets via enabling technologies and online service providers, such as Elance, PeoplePerHour and Odesk enable them to export their talent and secure overseas contracts.
Skilled UK contractors have huge opportunities to tap into the European marketplace and those who can apply their creativity, flexibility and skills could help reinvigorate stagnant European economies.
© 2011 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Image: World’s Best Boss by Kumar Appaiah
